Materials
photocopied images of coins
scissors
glue
1/2 sheets oak tag or cardboard
markers
bingo markers (beans, teddy bear counters)
piggy bank or box
real coins
Instructions
1. Prior to presenting the center, fill each plastic egg with a set of each object.
The eggs should vary in weight, so put varying amounts of objects in the
eggs.
2. Tape the eggs shut and number them with a marker.
3. Demonstrate to the children how to predict weights using their hands as a
scale. Ask them to sequence the eggs according to weight, from lightest to
heaviest.
4. Show the children how to use the balance scale by adding Unifix cubes on
one side to balance the weight of one of the eggs on the other side. Count
the cubes and write the number on a chart. For younger children, ask them
which objects used more cubes and which used less.
5. Ask the children to compare the numbers and determine which egg is the
heaviest.
6. At the end of the week (or activity), ask the children to predict what they
think is in each egg. Open the eggs and show the contents. Discuss why
some eggs are heavy or light.
Chart Example:
Numbered Eggs Number of Cubes Used
Egg 1
Egg 2
Egg 3
Egg 4
Egg 5
Egg 6
